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SCC Welcomes Latest Fall in Scottish Unemployment

[ 13-08-2014 ]

Commenting on the news that Scottish unemployment has fallen by 2,000 in the three months to June, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“This month’s employment figures are very encouraging, with both a fall in unemployment and a significant rise in employment. This supports the findings of our most recent Quarterly Business Survey, which pointed to strong recruitment trends and a move towards full time employment.

“The reason why both employment and economic inactivity are growing but remaining at the same overall rates is because Scotland has a growing labour market and therefore we need our businesses to be able to grow and provide even more job opportunities in the future. The economic recovery is now well underway and most indicators are positive but with wage growth still sluggish, the economy needs more than just consumer demand to drive it forwards. That is why we still need measures from government that will promote the business investment that is necessary to drive sustainable growth and new employment, coupled with a fresh approach to skills provision.

“In particular, Chambers of Commerce stand ready to work with the Scottish Government to deliver on the recommendations of Sir Ian Wood’s Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, which aims to transform the attractiveness and accessibility of vocational employment opportunities for young people from an early age. Chambers are already leading the way in bridging the gap between the worlds of business and education and this will help ensure that young people in particular will have better access to employment in future.”